ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
NTPC needs to keep growing as the demand for energy in India also increasing at a rapid pace: Power Minister Shri RK Singh
NTPC celebrates its Raising Day completing 46 years
Power Minister congratulates NTPC for its exemplary journey
“NTPC is a special company; it is the largest provider of energy to our country, the most important input for growth”, said Shri R K Singh, Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy, here today. Shri Singh was speaking on the occasion of NTPC’s Raising Day. In his address, Shri Singh outlined the Company’s achievements, expertise, future goals and also discussed NTPC’s role in leading India’s energy transition. Shri Singh also appreciated NTPC for passing on approximately 4500 crore to states in the last financial year by optimising energy charges.
Shri Singh stated that NTPC needs to enhance itself from being a national company to being an international behemoth and should dream of becoming the biggest multi-national in the field of energy. In his address, he further stressed that NTPC needs to keep growing and add capacity as the country needs to keep pace with the ever growing demand for energy. He also underlined NTPC’s impressive record of producing almost a billion units every day.
Shri R K Singh presented the Swarn Shakti Awards to NTPC plants in the areas of Productivity, Safety, Protection and Improvement of Environment, Rajbhasha, Best Health Facilities, CSR & Community Development and Project Management Awards. He also inaugurated the Shram Kaushal portal.
The Raising Day celebrations commenced with Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC Ltd hoisting the flag at the Engineering Office Complex , Noida. The ceremony was attended by NTPC officials from locations across the country via online platforms.
Shri Ashish Upadhyaya, Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Power, Shri Vivek Dewangan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India along with , Shri Anil Kumar Gautam, Director , Shri Dillip Kumar Patel, Director , Shri Ramesh Babu V, Director , Shri Chandan Kumar Mondol, Director , Shri Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director  and senior officials of NTPC were also present on the occasion.
MV/IG
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Economic impact of organic farming
Government of India has been encouraging/ promoting organic farming under two dedicated Schemes, namely, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region  and Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana  since 2015. Organic Farming has also been supported under other Schemes viz Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana  and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture , Network Project on Organic Farming under ICAR. Third party certification of organic farming is promoted by Agriculture Processed Food and Export Development Authority , Ministry of Commerce.
As per the report received from States and Agriculture Processed Food and Export Development Authority ,the total farm area currently under Organic Certification is taken up in an area of 27.70 lakh hectares in the country including 5.98 lakh hectares under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana  , 0.639 lakh hectares under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region  , 19.38 lakh hectares under National Program for Organic Production  of APEDA and 1.70 lakh hectares under other initiatives.
The Government has conducted study to assess the benefit of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana  and Mission Organic Value chain Development for North Eastern Region scheme through National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management , Hyderabad.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Dak Adalat on December 28
Thiruvananthapuram RMS TV Divisional level Dak Adalat will be held on 28th December, 3PM through Google meet to file complaints about postal services. Complaints or suggestions related to mail services of offices under this division may be forwarded to The Senior Superintendent, RMS TV Division, Thiruvananthapuram -695023 on or before December 26 along with the Whatsapp number/Email ID of the complainant. Complaints can also be sent to ssrmtv.keralapost[at]gmail[dot]com / rmsdotv.kl@indiapost.gov.in. The link for entering Google meet will be intimated to the complainant through e-mail/ Mobile number.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his Jayanti. Shri Modi also shared his thoughts on Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Tributes to Atal Ji on his Jayanti. His contribution to India is indelible. His leadership and vision motivate millions of people."
President's Secretariat
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
At a ceremony held today  at 1045 hrs in the Durbar Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shri Justice Ranjan Gogoi was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. He took and subscribed to the oath of office before the President.
Ministry of Defence
MoD reaches out to OFB employee unions on their strike notice
A team of senior officials led by Additional Secretary, Deptt. of Defence Production along with Chairman Ordinance Factory Board met the office bearers of the All India Defence Employees Federation, Indian National Defence Workers Federation, Bhartiya Pratiksha Mazdoor Sangh and Confederation of Defence Recognized Association here today on the issue of strike notice given by them starting August 20, 2019.
The meeting lasted for nearly two hours in which both parties constructively engaged themselves in a candid and open discussion of each other’s’ viewpoint. It was decided to keep the process of dialogue open to arrive at a mutual understanding.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
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UPSC
New calendar of examinations will be announced by UPSC after 5th June meeting
The Union Public Service Commission held a special meeting today to review the situation after the third phase of the nation-wide restrictions, due to COVID-19. Taking notice of the extension of several restrictions, the Commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interviews, for the present.
The Commission, however, took note of the progressive relaxations being announced by the Central Government and various States and has decided to review the situation once more, after the fourth period of lockdown. With a view to giving some clarity to candidates of various examinations and interviews, which have been deferred over the last two months, the Commission will issue a revised schedule of examinations in its next meeting to be held on June 5, 2020. Details of the new calendar of examinations will be published on the UPSC website, after the Commission’s meeting on June 5, 2020.
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VG/SNC
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Ministry of Culture
Colorful and energetic cultural programs organised by autonomous bodies of the Ministry of Culture at India Gate concludes today
Been performance, portrait painting and street play on cyber crime/security became a special attraction for the visitors on both the days
Main Highlights :
- Three major autonomous bodies of the Ministry of Culture organised a variety of programmes at the India Gate Lawns on 12th and 13th November.
- Street Play by the National School of Drama on Cyber Security generated awareness among the people .
- ‘Been’ performance and portrait painting were the other star attractions today
Three major autonomous bodies of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organized a variety of programmes at the India Gate Lawns in New Delhi on 12th and 13th November which has concluded today. These included Street Play by the National School of Drama, musical band Performances by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and 'Portrait Painting' by the Lalit Kala Akademi.
This Cultural performances are part of campaign named, Kalanjali , under which cultural
programmes are to be organised at Central Vista every week.
In the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence, the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India is celebrating “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” and National School of Drama being a premier theater institution of India is participating in the celebration throughout the year and organizing several programs. One of the major series of programmes organized was "Each One Save One", Cyber Safety and Security, and other programmes that raised awareness about social issues such as blood donation.The play aimed to educate the audience on a variety of topics such as online fraud, security measures, and legal provisions.
Sangeet Natak Akademi organised performance by Mridangam artist Shri P. Vetri Boopathy and his team ‘Rudraksham’ today.
Another event organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi was the music performance by the famous Been player Shri Ramvir Nath Jogi and his team on 12th November. It is worth noting that playing the Been is a type of music that has been practiced since ancient times. It is known by many names in India, including 'Tumbi', 'Nagasar', ‘Sapera Bansuri’, 'Nagaswaram’, and 'Mahudi’, and lute players are known as 'Been Jogi’.
The Lalit Kala Akademi also hosted a 'Portrait Painting' programme in which 10 artists created different paintings such as pencil sketching, charcoal sketching, and watercolor paintings.
The Ministry of Culture has frequently organized programmes commemorating Mahatma Gandhi, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy at India Gate. They are linked to many social issues and topics ranging from great freedom fighters such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to women empowerment and cyber crime. All visitors are welcome to attend these events for free and witness the emerging picture of new India.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
75 "Hunar Haat" to be organized under "Amrit Mahotsav" of 75 years of India’s Independence: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
75 "Amrit Mahotsav Parks" to be constructed on Waqf land across the country.
Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said here that a target has been set to provide employment and employment opportunities to 7 lakh 50 thousand artisans, craftsmen through 75 "Hunar Haat", to be organised across the country as a part of "Amrit Mahotsav" of 75 years of India’s Independence.
Shri Naqvi said that 75 "Amrit Mahotsav Parks" will also be constructed on the vacant Waqf lands across the country under “Waqf Taraqqiati Scheme” and “Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram”  of the Union Minority Affairs Ministry.
He said that 75 "Hunar Haat" will be organized with the resolve of “Vocal for Local” in all parts of the country, where artisans, craftsmen from every region of the country will exhibit and sell their handmade indigenous products. There will also be a section "Bawarchikhana" of traditional culinary experts in the “Hunar Haat” where the people will enjoy traditional cuisines and dishes from different regions of the country. Various cultural programmes will also be performed by renowned artists of the country every evening in the "Hunar Haat".
The Minister stated that under the "Amrit Mahotsav", "Mera Watan, Mera Chaman" Mushairas and Kavi Sammelans will also be organized across the country till 2023, where renowned as well as emerging poets will give effective and patriotic message of "Ek Bharat- Shrestha Bharat".
Shri Naqvi said that land is being given by various Waqf Boards of the country for construction of 75 "Amrit Mahotsav Parks" across the country. These “Amrit Mahotsav Parks” will also depict, in an artistic manner, the history of role played by that particular region in the freedom struggle. These parks will also have facilities for yoga, exercise, walk, play area for children, green area and also common service centre.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Cultivation of High-Value Crops
High value crops are mainly horticulture crops such as fruits, flowers, spices, vegetables & aromatic plants etc. Value of output and net returns of most of these horticulture crops is higher. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture  has been launched in the year 2014 for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew and cocoa through area based regionally differentiated strategies, which includes research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro-climatic features. It also aims to enhance horticulture production, augment farmers’ income and strengthen nutritional security.
MIDH scheme is being implemented through State Horticulture Missions  in various States. Measures being taken under MIDH for promotion of horticulture sector are Area Expansion , Rejuvenation/Replanting of old and senile gardens, production and distribution of Quality Planting Materials, Integrated Pest and Disease Management, Integrated Nutrient Management, Organic Farming, Horticulture Mechanization, Integrated Post-harvest Management, Creation of Marketing Infrastructure, technology dissemination through Front Line Demonstration  and Human Resource Development etc.
Under MIDH, assistances under different components is being provided to encourage investments from public, private and cooperative sectors and to include innovative technologies in the development of horticulture sector. However, components like Protected Cultivation and Post Harvest Management are mainly for Private Sector/ individual entrepreneurs.
MIDH scheme being a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is implemented through States/ UTs based on their Annual Action Plan and funds are released to States/UTs to implement these AAPs. The State Horticulture Missions further release the funds to selected beneficiaries based on approved AAP and data for any profit from implementation of the scheme is not centrally maintained.
Details of the funds allocated under MIDH and to Rajasthan during the last five years are as under:

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|
S. No.
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|
Year
|
|
Allocation under MIDH
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|
Allocation to Rajasthan under MIDH
|
|
1
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1620.00
|
|
50.89
|
|
2
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2329.13
|
|
70.89
|
|
3
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2546.30
|
|
90.50
|
|
4
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2209.57
|
|
90.50
|
|
5
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2160.25
|
|
60.00
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
UIDAI enables ‘Head of Family’ based online address update in Aadhaar
Residents can update address in Aadhaar online with the consent of their Head of Family 
HoF can approve or reject a request within 30 days from the service request date
HoF based online address update to benefit residents who don’t have supporting documents in their own name
The Unique Identification Authority of India  has put in place a resident friendly facility to help them update address in Aadhaar online with the consent of the Head of Family .
The HoF based online address update in Aadhaar will be of great help to the relative of a resident–like children, spouse, parents etc, who don’t have supporting documents in their own name to update address in their Aadhaar.
It can be done by submitting Proof of Relationship document like Ration Card, Marksheet, Marriage Certificate, Passport etc. mentioning the name of both the applicant and HOF and the relationship between them and OTP based authentication by the HOF. In case even Proof of Relationship document is not available, UIDAI provides the resident to submit a self-declaration by the HOF in the UIDAI prescribed format.
With people moving cities and towns due to various reasons within the country, such a facility will be beneficial for millions of people. This choice would be in addition to the existing address update facility using any valid Proof of Address document prescribed by UIDAI. Any resident above the age of 18 can be an HOF for this purpose and can share his/her address with his/her relatives through this process.
In the ‘My Aadhaar’ portal , a resident can choose this option while seeking to update address online. Following which, the resident will be allowed to enter the Aadhaar number of the HOF, which will only be validated. No other information of the HOF’s Aadhaar will be displayed on the screen to maintain adequate privacy of HOF.
Post successful validation of Aadhaar number of HOF, the resident will be required to upload the Proof of Relationship document.
Resident has to pay the fee Rs. 50/- for the service. On successful payment, a service request number  would be shared with the resident, and an SMS would be sent to the HOF about the address request. The HOF to approve the request and give his/her consent by logging into the My Aadhaar portal within 30 days from the date of receiving the notification and the request will be processed.
If the HOF rejects to share her/his address, or does not accept or decline within the stipulated 30 days of SRN creation, the request would be closed. The resident, seeking address update through this option, will be informed about the closure of the request via an SMS. In case the request is closed or rejected due to non acceptance of the HOF or rejected during process, the amount shall not be refunded to the applicant.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 113.68 Cr
More than 67.82 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.28%
10,197 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload  is lowest in 527 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 54 days
With the administration of 67,82,042 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 113.68 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,16,73,459 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,80,957
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
93,53,906
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,74,594
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,62,19,699
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
43,57,31,810
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17,67,65,054
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
17,90,55,132
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10,67,80,250
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
11,21,81,588
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
7,20,36,695
|
|
Total
|
|
1,13,68,79,685
The recovery of 12,134 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,38,73,890.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.28%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 143 consecutive days now.
10,197 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently at 1,28,555 is lowest in 527 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.37% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
12,42,177 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 62.70 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.96% remains less than 2% for the last 54 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be0.82%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below2% for last 44 days and below 3% for 79 consecutive days now.
Prime Minister's Office
PM remembers Bir Chilarai on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered the great Bir Chilarai on his Jayanti.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "The great Bir Chilarai is synonymous with valour and patriotism. He was an outstanding warrior, who fought for people and the principles he held sacred. His bravery will continue to motivate the coming generations. Remembering him on his Jayanti."
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Navroz
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Navroz.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Navroz Mubarak! Praying for a year filled with happiness, wonderful health and prosperity for everyone."
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
India explores opportunities for co-production and collaborations in films with International counterparts
Members of the Indian delegation including Joint Secretary , Ministry of I&B , Smt TCA Kalyani; Addl. DG, Directorate of Film Festivals, Shri Chaitanya Prasad met representatives of European Film Market. The delegation and EFM representatives held elaborate discussions on the significance of 51st IFFI. The discussions included recent policy initiatives of Government of India to ensure ‘Ease of Filming’ including setting up of a single window system- Film Facilitation Office- and its web portal www.ffo.gov.in for online application for shooting films in India.
Later in the day the Indian Delegation met Mr Matthijis Wouter Knol, Director European Film Market . Mr Knol, said that the stakeholders of EFM would actively consider participating in the 51st IFFI. He also underlined that the participation would pave a way forward for a more proactive interaction between the Indian stakeholders and the industry with the organizers of Berlinale in future. He expressed hope that there will be more active participation from the Indian Government and other stakeholders in the future editions of Berlinale.
The delegation also met heads of prominent Festival and Film Commissions including Ms Veronique Encrenaz, Head of MIFA, Festival International Du Film D’Animation D’Annecy ; Ms Emma Boa, Senior Projects Manager, Edinburgh International Film Festival; Mr Elliot Grove, Founder, Raindance Film Festival; Ms Irina Safletea, DG Connect, Creative Europe Media, Mr Marco Muller, Producer, among others.
The representatives from Raindance and Edinburgh Film Festivals talked about opportunities of future collaboration with IFFI 2020 and discussed scope of working together to showcase India at their prominent festivals. Ms Encrenaz, Head of MIFA  offered her participation and support for IFFI 2020. The representatives from Creative Europe Media expressed their interest to work with India and discussed taking up progressive developments regarding the India- European Co-production treaties, incentives schemes, etc.
Taking forward deliberations on the co-production between India & Germany, the successful story of partnership between Mr Sunil Doshi’s Alliance Media and Pluto Film, Germany, for distribution and production of the film “The Bra”, was noted. The internationally acclaimed film, directed by Veit Helmer, had also featured in IFFI 2018.
“We are very excited to have found an exciting partner in Alliance Media led by Mr Sunil Doshi, to distribute and adapt our acclaimed film - The Bra. We are looking forward to its adaptions, keeping in mind the socio-cultural fabric of India” said Pluto Films, Germany.
Ministry of I&B in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry, is participating in the Berlin International Film Festival 2020 being held from 20th February, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. An India Pavilion has been set-up at the Festival to act as a platform to popularize Indian Cinema in overseas market and facilitate new business opportunities.